1Individual disability ratings
Add each service-connected rating. Check Bilateral for paired limbs (both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles) — the bilateral factor needs at least two bilateral ratings.
Show step-by-step math
VA combines ratings with the Combined Ratings Table (38 CFR § 4.25): sorted highest first, each new rating applies to the remaining “efficiency”, and each intermediate result is a whole number (.5 rounds up). The final value is rounded to the nearest 10 (5 rounds up). The exact column shows the same math without intermediate rounding.
2Monthly compensation (schedular rate)
3Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Only use if VA has awarded (or you expect) SMC. SMC-L through T replace the schedular rate; SMC-K is added.
About SMC
Special monthly compensation (SMC) is a higher rate of VA compensation for certain serious service-connected disabilities and needs, such as the loss or loss of use of a hand or foot, blindness, being bedridden or housebound, or needing another person's help with daily activities (“aid and attendance”). The rates are set in law at 38 U.S.C. 1114(k)–(t), and VA's rules for applying them are in 38 CFR 3.350.
Two kinds of SMC. SMC-K is a fixed amount added to your regular rate (or to some SMC levels). SMC-L through SMC-T are levels that replace the regular rate with a higher monthly amount. Levels marked ½ (L½, M½, N½) are “intermediate” rates between two levels (38 U.S.C. 1114(p)).
How it's awarded. VA says it will automatically award SMC if your disability qualifies. To apply for SMC based on being housebound or needing aid and attendance, VA uses VA Form 21-2680. Which level applies depends on VA's medical findings and detailed rules; the summaries here are simplified.
SMC-Q, a protected rate VA hasn't awarded since August 19, 1968, isn't included. Sources: va.gov SMC rates · benefits.va.gov Compensation · 38 CFR 3.350 · 38 U.S.C. 1114
All SMC levels explained
Total estimated monthly
Estimate only. Not an official VA determination.
%Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)
Project the total above with a hypothetical COLA. Applied to the final monthly total (regular rate + dependents + SMC).
Simplified projection: VA applies COLA to each published rate and rounds per its own rules, so official new rates can differ by a few cents.
About these rates
Embedded official VA tables, effective December 1, 2025 (the “2026 rates”, 2.8% COLA). As of Oct 17, 2026, va.gov had not yet posted the rates effective December 1, 2026; once VA publishes them, these tables need updating.
Sources:
va.gov — Veterans disability compensation rates
va.gov — Special monthly compensation rates
Nothing you enter is saved. Your ratings, condition names and dependents never leave your browser and clear when you close or reload the page. Only your language choice (EN/ES) is remembered on this device.